“Of all the disciplines simplicity is the most visible and therefore the most open to corruption” (Foster, 1978; 85). Jesus speaks often about simplicity, but it’s one of those things that easily discounted or should I say conveniently passes over the radar of many Christian’s in America. One of the major reasons could be that our entire societal structure is built on capitalism and the need to achieve an affluent life-style—the American Dream. But, on the other side of that spectrum there is the temptation to gravitate toward legalism. Foster states and I think correctly so, “In the earnest attempt to give concrete expression to Jesus’ economic teaching, it is easy to mistake our particular expression of the teaching for the teaching itself” (Foster, 1978; 85).
I have felt the tension from both ends of the spectrum mentioned above. First from an affluent life-style perspective: A little over ten years ago I had my own business and my wife had a fulltime job as well. We were making a fair amount of money, we were able to build a nice house, and were not in want of to many things. It was very interesting though; even though we had a comfortable life and a lot of nice stuff it didn’t bring any more satisfaction to either of our lives. The “American Dream” was not all that it was hyped up to be.
Now from the perspective of poverty: On the other side of that spectrum I feel and hear others wrestle with the tension of wealth and affluence in the context of foreign missions. When I lead a group of students to the Dominican Republic (DR) and we see the great divide between the few who have much and the majority who have almost nothing. To see the wealthy control the government and the resources and continue to get richer and richer on the backs and at the expense of the poor. This stark reality creates a lot of anger with many in the group regarding systems in the DR and the United States (US). Much of the tension comes from the fact that we have so much in the US in comparison to most of the world.
So how do we live a life of simplicity that’s faithful to our calling as followers of Christ?
Listen to these words of Jesus. 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:25-33 NIV).
The main point here that Jesus is making regarding simplicity is to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, then everything will fall into its proper place. Don’t let the desire for simplicity become idolatry and take precedence over the kingdom of God. It has a proper place.
Now we can deal with the issues mentioned above. I feel the tension of having a business and making a lot of money. Should I sell it all and down size my life? No, I must first seek God’s kingdom and will. I see the affects of poverty in the DR and realize how much I have. Should I sell all that I have and give it to the poor? No, seek first God’s kingdom.
My desires cannot be the main issue no matter how I wrestle with simplicity. Seeking first God’s kingdom puts the focus and perspective where it should be—on him and his will.
1 comment:
Scott!
Reading these last few posts reminds me of all the times when I listened and learned from you. I definitely miss your insight, wisdom, and mentoring. I know that God has me right here right now for His purposes, and I'm growing A LOT! I have found that being here has allowed for more simplicity and I'm greatful for that. I haven't watched television in six weeks, and honestly, I don't miss it. Of course I enjoy when teams are here, but I also enjoy the time when there are not teams here because it allows for more down time, which I take advantage of by reading, meditating, listening, and praying more than ever before. I know that God is using me to serve here in the DR during this time, but now after six weeks I really feel that He is using this time more so to refine, change, & humble me. It's a time of spiritual rehab for me, and I'm fully engaged, and excited for the ways that God is revealing himself and revealing the areas where I need transformation and healing. When I first came here there were areas where I knew I needed change and growth, but God has also opened my eyes to areas of my life that I didn't even recognize. He's good like that.
What a coincidence that you are praying and growing in the area of simplicity. I just finnished reading "Invitation to a Journey", this week we had a Bible study on spiritual discipline, and now I have to research a specific spiritual discipline and discuss it with small group on monday. It's just like God to have us conected even if we are a couple thousand miles apart. Well, I'm praying for you and all that God is working in you right now. I pray that you would find joy and peace in simplicity.
-Jeff
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